Now if you had told me back in 2010 that a magical girl anime could be dark, or have a remotely good story, I would have probably laughed at you, and went on my merry way. Now in 2013 I can truly tell you there is one great magical girl anime. At least one good one, and thank god for that. This is because I generally hate magical girl animes. As im sure you have all heard from many in the anime community that this this is an amazing anime.you don't need me to tell you that. Yet is it the greatest anime of all time? is it the anime we all have waited for? No and no.
Madoka Magica is not as it seems, and you have probably heard this from every reviewer on MAL. You have heard that Madoka is a "deconstruction". I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said otherwise. Now what truly got me hooked was not the fact of it being a "Deconstruction". When I watched it for the first time in 2012 I was such a shonnen lover that i didn't even know what Mahou Shoujo meant (therefore i go in without any bias). After the first 2 episodes I was about to drop the show wondering how I ever came to watch such a thing. Then the 3rd episode hit, and like any fan will tell you $#@% gets real, real fast. To me it wasn't a deconstruction while watching because i had no idea it was a magical girl anime (I knew sailor Moon, but nothing else). From episode 4 on Madoka had my undivided attention, and I was on the edge of my seat for the rest of the series. For Madoka Magica its all about the story, which much to my surprise was insanely good. Yet, only so if you go in open minded and look past the frilly dresses. The true narrative before you will then present itself(NO SPOILERS HERE). Yet the story results with enough suspense, intrigue, and feels to keep your undivided attention. Its more like Faust than a Magical girl show. It turn me from someone who watches FMA and one piece, to someone who watches Steins;Gate, Mushishi, and Mawaru Penguindrum. It is not the greatest story ever told, but pretty damn flawless IMO(10/10)
Now the Art style and direction is beautiful. Yet not the greatest work SHAFT has ever done. Yet, IMO pretty close to it. Madoka Magica in its art has created some Trippe and dark moments. Mostly due to the "Witch Labyrinths". Now within these labyrinths are many examples of symbolism. Its this that truly got me going. Many of which I didn't see in-till a 2nd watch and are extremely obscure. They mainly allude to classic literature such as: The Little Mermaid or Faust (just to name a couple). Now one thing that is the problem with the animation is the fact of SHAFT. They have a habit of rushing animation, and thus some things are not totally smooth. This is not noticed till a later watch. Yet, it is there none the less. May I suggest to you that you watch the DVD Ver. ? it has corrected many of the animation mistakes and will increase the Trippe lvls by a factor of 42 . (9/10)
The Sound of he show is top notch. Yuki Kajiura does what Yuki Kajiura
does. Make an epic score. The Osts are wonderful, the best being Sis Puella Magica, the "main theme". Some of Osts are epic but more leaning at beautiful. This is appose to her work in Fate/Zero, which goes more at Epic. In Madoka the score uses weeping strings and flutes, with a combination of more epic pieces. Yet, I would say the violin is the principal instrument. The Ed's are also is extremely amazing. With Magia being so epic it is sometimes used as a battle theme. Episode 9's aEd deserves some props and "and Im home" truly gave me some feels (DVD Ver. only). Yet, out of the songs the op is probably the worst, yet is not bad, just later on in the series seems very misplaced...(9/10)
Now Characters are the hardest hit. They are in a 12 episode series that focuses on plot, and thus have little time for character development. Many people find this to be the bad factor of Madoka, and I agree. Characters themselves don't seem to last enough for us to grow too attached(oh gawd that is spoiler territory). IMO its not the Character personality that makes them. But, that each character represents a concept(if you look for it its there >:D). Yet, the base personalities are pretty typical. Its not to say the Characters are bad, they are very good for the series size.... just not on par with the rest of this show.
As a final word Madoka is a great story, I would recommend it to most. I also would say it will be enjoyed by most. But, will only truly be amazing to some. It also probably will leaves a few wondering how this could ever be good. With a pacing( episodes 4-12) that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tons of feels, an amazing art direction, all rapped up in a 12 episode package. It is no surprise how Madaoka has become on of the most popular, critically loved, and divided animes of the last decade. Madok Magica in my eyes is not, the greatest anime ever. Yet, is up there in the top 50. Weather you like it or not Madoka Magica has made an impact. It is here to stay. and I proudly give Madoka Magica A (9/10)
